28. The politics of distant caregiving: Building theory and enhancing lives

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar Poster Exhibition B
  In Paper Session: Scholar to Scholar Poster Exhibition A

Abstract

This pilot study aims at understanding how distant caregivers comprehend their role and cope with stress during a family health crisis. The overarching goal of this study is to explicate the role of family communication scholars in developing a theoretical understanding of distant caregiving. A grounded theory approach helped uncover five major themes from the interview: Social support, religion, university faculty and staff, practical decision making, and adapted caregiving. These findings highlight the centrality of communication.

Author

• Vandhana Ramadurai, Texas A&M Univ